In a world where werewolves are forced to live in secret, 28-year-old August "Augie" Rodriguez, a former Marine turned werewolf hunter, is hired to track down a rogue alpha. But when Augie's prey turns out to be his estranged brother, thought to be dead, he must confront his troubled past and the true nature of his family's curse.
Augie Rodriguez stepped out of the rain-soaked night and into the dimly lit bar, the neon signs outside casting a gaudy glow on the wet pavement. He scanned the room, his eyes adjusting to the smoky atmosphere, and spotted his contact in the corner, nursing a whiskey on the rocks.
Augie made his way through the crowd, his movements fluid and deliberate, earning a few curious glances from the patrons. He was a tall, imposing figure, with sharp features and piercing green eyes that seemed to bore into those he met. His dark hair was cropped short, revealing a scar above his left eyebrow, a souvenir from a past encounter.
The contact, a scrawny man named Vinnie, looked up and nodded curtly as Augie approached. "Augie, thanks for coming," Vinnie said, his voice laced with a nervous twitch.
Augie slid into the booth, his eyes locked on Vinnie. "What's the job?" he asked, his deep voice firm and commanding.
Vinnie hesitated, glancing around the bar before leaning in closer. "We got a rogue alpha on our hands, Augie. Been terrorizing the countryside, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake."
Augie's expression turned grim. "What makes you think I'm the right man for the job?"
Vinnie shrugged. "You're the best hunter we've got, Augie. And this one...this one's different. It's like nothing we've ever seen before."
Augie raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Vinnie leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's like it's toying with us, Augie. Leaving clues, taunting us. And the bodies...they're not just killed, they're mutilated. Like it's trying to send a message."
Augie's grip on his glass tightened, his mind racing with the implications. He had dealt with rogue werewolves before, but this sounded different. This sounded personal.
"I'm in," Augie said finally, his voice firm. "When do I start?"
Vinnie nodded, relief etched on his face. "I'll give you the details. Meet me at the old warehouse on 5th and Main at midnight."
Augie nodded, downing his whiskey in one swift motion. He knew what he was getting himself into. He knew the risks. But he also knew he couldn't walk away. Not from this. Not from the thrill of the hunt.
Augie stepped out of the bar, the cool night air a welcome respite from the smoky atmosphere. He lit a cigarette, taking a long drag as he gazed out into the darkness. The rain had let up, leaving behind a misty veil that shrouded the city.
He thought back to Vinnie's words, the image of the mutilated bodies etched in his mind. He had seen some gruesome things in his line of work, but this sounded different. This sounded calculated.
Augie's phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the spell. He answered, listening intently to Vinnie's voice on the other end.
"Augie, I'm sending you the details now. Be careful, this one's got everyone spooked."
Augie nodded, even though Vinnie couldn't see him. "Got it."
He hung up, pulling out his phone to scan the files Vinnie had sent. The photos showed a trail of destruction, bodies torn apart with surgical precision. Augie's gut told him this was more than just a rogue alpha - this was something sinister.
The files also included a location, a small town a few hours outside the city. Augie memorized the details, his mind already racing with strategies.
He arrived at the warehouse just before midnight, the building looming above him like a specter. Vinnie was already there, pacing nervously in the shadows.
"Augie, I'm glad you're here," Vinnie said, his voice tight with anxiety. "We need to get this done quickly, before it's too late."
Augie nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "What's the plan?"
Vinnie handed him a folder filled with more photos and notes. "The alpha's been spotted in the vicinity of the old mill on the outskirts of town. We think it's hiding there."
Augie's grip on the folder tightened. "Let's get moving."
The drive to the town was silent, the only sound the soft hum of the engine. Augie's mind was focused on the task ahead, his senses on high alert.
They arrived at the mill just before dawn, the sky lightening in the east. Augie could feel it, a presence lurking just out of sight.
He motioned to Vinnie, who nodded and fell back, giving Augie the lead. Augie crept forward, his gun at the ready, his heart pounding in his chest.
The mill loomed before him, its windows shattered, the door hanging off its hinges. Augie approached cautiously, his senses on high alert.
And then, he saw it. A figure, tall and imposing, standing in the center of the room. Its eyes locked onto Augie, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
Augie's finger tightened on the trigger, but he hesitated. There was something in the alpha's eyes, something that gave him pause.
The alpha took a step forward, its movements fluid and deliberate. Augie could feel its power, its dominance.
And then, just as suddenly, it vanished. Augie was left standing there, his gun still raised, his heart pounding in his chest.
He knew, in that moment, that this was far from over.
Augie lowered his gun, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of the alpha. But it was gone, vanished into thin air. He cursed under his breath, his mind racing with possibilities.
Vinnie emerged from the shadows, his eyes wide with excitement. "What happened?" he whispered.
Augie shook his head. "It was here, and then it just disappeared."
Vinnie's face fell. "We need to get out of here, now."
Augie nodded, tucking his gun into his holster. "Let's move."
They made their way back to the car, their senses on high alert. Augie couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that the alpha was still out there, waiting for them.
The drive back to the city was tense, the silence between them thick with unspoken questions. Augie's mind was racing, trying to piece together what had just happened.
When they arrived at the warehouse, Vinnie turned to him, his eyes serious. "Augie, we need to talk."
Augie nodded, following Vinnie into the warehouse. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and sweat.
Vinnie stopped in front of him, his hands on his hips. "Augie, I know you're the best hunter we've got, but this...this is different. This alpha is smart, calculated. It's not just a mindless beast."
Augie's expression turned grim. "I know."
Vinnie hesitated. "I think we're in over our heads, Augie. I think we should call in backup."
Augie's jaw clenched. "No."
Vinnie's eyes widened. "Augie, listen to me..."
Augie's hand shot up, silencing him. "No, Vinnie. I've got this."
Vinnie's face fell, but he nodded. "Okay, Augie. But be careful."
Augie nodded, turning to leave. "I will."
The rest of the day was a blur, Augie's mind consumed by thoughts of the alpha. He knew he had to be careful, that this was no ordinary werewolf.
He spent hours poring over the files, looking for any clue that might lead him to the alpha. And then, just as he was about to give up, he saw it - a small detail that had escaped him before.
A symbol, etched into the wall of the mill. A symbol that looked eerily familiar.
Augie's heart raced as he realized the truth. This wasn't just a rogue alpha - this was something much bigger.
He knew he had to act fast, to get to the bottom of this before it was too late. And so, with a newfound sense of determination, Augie set out to track down the alpha, ready for whatever lay ahead.
The symbol haunted Augie's dreams, its twisted curves and lines etched into his mind like a branding iron. He woke up in a cold sweat, his heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation.
He knew he had to move fast, to uncover the truth behind the symbol and the alpha's true intentions. Augie threw off the covers and got out of bed, his mind already racing with possibilities.
He arrived at the warehouse just as Vinnie was setting up for the day. "Augie, what's going on?" Vinnie asked, noticing the look of determination on Augie's face.
Augie showed him the symbol, his finger tracing the curves. "This is the key, Vinnie. This is what's been missing."
Vinnie's eyes widened. "Where did you find it?"
Augie hesitated. "The mill. It was etched into the wall."
Vinnie's face went pale. "Augie, we need to be careful. This symbol...it's not just any symbol."
Augie's grip on the paper tightened. "What do you mean?"
Vinnie glanced around nervously. "Let's just say it's connected to some pretty dark stuff. Stuff we don't want to mess with."
Augie's jaw clenched. "I don't care about that. I care about stopping the alpha."
Vinnie nodded. "Okay, Augie. But be careful. We're playing with fire here."
The rest of the day was a blur of research and investigation, Augie and Vinnie following every lead, every hint that might bring them closer to the truth.
And then, just as the sun was setting, they got their break. A call from an anonymous source, hinting at a location, a place where the alpha might be hiding.
Augie's heart raced as he grabbed his gun, his mind focused on the task ahead. "Let's move," he said, his voice firm and commanding.
Vinnie nodded, following close behind. They arrived at the location, an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town, and Augie knew they were close.
He could feel it, a presence lurking just out of sight. Augie's grip on his gun tightened, his senses on high alert.
And then, they saw it. The alpha, standing in the center of the room, its eyes fixed on Augie with a malevolent glare.
Augie's finger tightened on the trigger, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew this was it, the moment of truth.
But just as he was about to fire, the alpha spoke, its voice low and menacing. "Augie Rodriguez," it said. "I've been waiting for you."
Isla has spent her entire life waiting for the moment she would find her mate, believing in the fairy tales of fate and eternal love. But when her mate, Alpha Asher Nightshade, rejects her on the night of their fated union, Isla's world shatters. Deemed too "ordinary" for the powerful and ambitious Alpha, she is cast out of the Shadowfang Pack. Fate, however, has other plans. Years later, Isla has rebuilt herself, finding strength and purpose among a rogue pack that values her for who she is. But when Asher's pack is threatened by an ancient curse, he seeks her out, desperate for her unique gift to commune with the spirits of the forest. Thrown back into each other's lives, Isla and Asher must confront the wounds of the past while facing a dangerous future. Will Asher prove he is worthy of a second chance, or will Isla find a love even greater than the bond that once broke her?
In a world where family ties bind with unbreakable chains, Zara and Damon are caught in a web of loyalty, blood feuds, and forbidden love. The moment their eyes meet, sparks ignite, but their families have been enemies for generations. Zara, the daughter of a powerful crime lord, is promised to a man she does not love, while Damon is the heir to the rival family who killed her brother. As their paths intertwine, the heat of their passion becomes the ultimate betrayal, and every stolen moment could cost them everything. In a world of vengeance and sacrifice, can love survive the storm?
In a world shattered by a catastrophic disaster, Jillian and Tom are among the last survivors, bound together by a shared will to survive and the budding, undeniable bond between them. As they traverse the wreckage of civilization, scavenging for supplies and navigating the horrors of a world stripped of life, they find comfort in each other's presence. But as the days slip by, they must confront the question: Can love bloom in the midst of darkness and death? Amidst campfires, fleeting moments of joy, and the harsh reality of their new world, Jillian and Tom face not only the danger of the outside world but also the fear of losing each other. Will their connection be enough to overcome the shadows that threaten to consume them?
When billionaire Cameron Reed needs a wife to secure his family's business empire, he turns to beautiful lawyer Aurora "Rory" Wellesley. Their contract marriage promises a hefty payout, but as they navigate the complexities of their agreement, they must confront their growing feelings and the secrets threatening to tear them apart. Will their love be worth the risk, or will their bargain destroy everything?
Emerson Grant, a successful event planner, returns to her hometown after a painful divorce. She butts heads with her new neighbor, former NFL star Caleb Mitchell, who's hiding a secret. As they work together to restore the town's iconic lighthouse, their initial animosity turns into a fiery attraction. But will their pasts and fears extinguish the flames of love or will they find their forever?
Wealthy businessman Ryder Thompson inherits a struggling vineyard in Tuscany, he sees an opportunity to turn his life around. But what he doesn't expect is to fall for the vineyard's beautiful and fiercely independent manager, Sophia De Luca. As they work together to restore the vineyard to its former glory, Ryder and Sophia must navigate their own complicated pasts and confront the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges that lie ahead?
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."